Part 1 of a 3-part series on insights from our graduating class
Head Lines
Wednesday May 16, 2018
On June 15, 2018, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the leaving class at Trinity College School – the Class of 2018 – will have just taken their graduation photograph, thrown their blazers into the air in celebration, and will have officially launched into the next chapter of their lives. The following night, at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel in Toronto, families will gather to celebrate their children in what is likely the biggest milestone of their young lives. How exciting! How exhilarating! How potentially terrifying, too!
Wednesday May 09, 2018
At the end of this academic year, Deirdre McIntosh will retire after nearly 22 years at Trinity College School.
During Deirdre’s first years at TCS she served as the assistant to the director of property. Her last 14 years were spent in her capacity as assistant to the headmaster.
Her most recent title does not adequately convey the breadth of her responsibilities, nor account for an ever-changing job description.
Thursday May 03, 2018
Part 3 of a 3-part series on making informed decisions
My two previous blog posts on the topic of ethical dilemmas introduced the book How Good People Make Tough Choices by Rushworth Kidder. The purpose of designating three blogs to this topic and to the book, in part, is to offer families information and insight into the seemingly straight-forward, but necessarily complex, responsibility of creating a positive school climate through the enforcement, or flexibility, of school rules, standards and expectations.
Wednesday April 25, 2018
Part 2 of a 3-part series on making informed decisions
Determining fault and subsequent consequences for right vs. wrong dilemmas is significantly easier than making decisions on right vs. right dilemmas. Examples of right vs. wrong dilemmas might include drinking and driving; stealing someone’s wallet; vandalizing a home. In these cases, it is clear that a wrong has been committed and cannot be tolerated. A clear consequence is necessary which could include criminal charges, jail time, a lost licence, etc.
Wednesday April 18, 2018
Part 1 of a 3-part series on making informed decisions
If a student is caught plagiarizing on a test for the second time in the same academic year, what would you suggest the School’s response should be? Issue another warning? An option to retake the same test? Or take a similar, but different test? Receive an automatic “zero” on the test? Mandatory removal from the course? Placed on “academic probation”? Suspension? Expulsion?
Now, let’s add some more details to this fictional scenario...
Thursday April 12, 2018
If you are a parent of a child at Trinity College School, do you often compare your own education with the educational experience that your child is receiving at TCS? I think it is natural to do so. I know I certainly consider the similarities and differences.
Like many reflecting back, I feel I attended a good school. But it doesn’t compare to what is on offer at TCS these days. I was once again reminded of this in light of the interhouse House Debates finals held this past Monday. I know we never had those at my alma mater! And, I wonder how many of you attended an elementary or high school that had the following on offer:
Wednesday April 04, 2018
The start of the spring term at Trinity College School – traditionally called the “Trinity” Term – is my favourite. Longer and warmer days; greening grass and furry buds on trees and shrubs; meals outside; and birds on tree branches. The world, or at least our “TCS world,” looks and feels a lot brighter at this time of year.
Thursday March 08, 2018
Part 3 of a 3-part series on building an ideal learning community
My blog posts over the last two weeks have looked at some of the “math” associated with Trinity College School and why specifically having a smaller school size helps to build community and, ultimately, provides a better learning environment for young people to grow, be active and thrive. There are other “numbers” at TCS which are very much by design rather than happenstance. I will share some of these with you, below, and I trust that you will agree that these numbers help make TCS a great school, while also distinguish TCS from other good schools around the world.
We are proud of the following:
Wednesday February 28, 2018
Part 2 of a 3-part series on building an ideal learning community
In my blog post last week, I referenced the importance of a small school size as being an influential factor in contributing to student success and performance. Trinity College School’s Junior School size of approximately 100 and our Senior School population of nearly 500 students are regarded as relatively small and, hence, a good environment for students to learn as well as build confidence, self esteem, leadership skills and, ultimately, it is the ideal community for our students to thrive.